New Zealand prop Joe McDonnell will attend a hearing in London within the next two weeks after testing positive for salbutamol after the international against France in Paris last November. Paul Rees reports.

The 29-year old Otago Highlander, who has won eight caps, has been suspended pending the hearing but New Zealand Rugby Football Union acting chief executive Steve Tew believes the player will escape a ban. "Salbutamol is found in ventolin inhalers used by asthmatics and it is allowed under International Rugby Board regulations, as long as there are medical grounds for its use and it is declared beforehand," said Tew.

"We inadvertently failed to notify the French before the match that Joe had used the substance but we did so as soon as was practical after the match."

In Wales, there has been a mixed reaction to the plan of the Welsh Rugby Union to set up four franchise teams to compete in cross-border tournaments from next season.

As yet only Neath, Bridgend, Ebbw Vale and Newport are in favour. Cardiff and Llanelli wish to stand alone, and Pontypridd and Swansea are taking legal advice because they have six years to run on a deal with the WRU that guarantees them money from television contracts and European competition.

"This plan has massive implications for us as a club," said Pontypridd chief executive Gareth Thomas.

The WRU chief executive, David Moffett, said he would withdraw the plan rather than go to court. "I appeal to the leading clubs to consider the wellbeing of Welsh rugby but there is always the potential for someone to throw a spanner in the works."

Guardian Service